The "Canalside Live" series will take place at the central wharf. Tickets are once again $5 per person. Those buying one at the wharf or at any Consumer's Beverage location will receive one complimentary drink.

Jon Dandes, president of Be Our Guest/Canalside Management Group, said he was pleased with the growth of the series formerly known as "Thursday at the Square." He said the $5 ticket price, which was implanted last year, was a rationale decision and made for a better concert experience. Dandes explained ticketholders were safer and the series' crowds were more manageable.

He noted his excitement for the 12-week, 11-performance series, which includes eight Thursday events plus one Friday and one Saturday concert.

Canalside General Manager Matt LaSota said, "This year we focused our efforts on creating a 'Canalside Live' lineup that offers not only variety, but an atmosphere for a great night out that everyone can enjoy, with acts in rock, hip-hop and blues. We are keeping with the traditional Thursday concerts that have been a staple of downtown Buffalo summers for decades, and mixing in two additional shows on Saturday, July 7, and Friday, Aug. 17. For only $5, Western New Yorkers can enjoy a premier concert experience right on our waterfront."

Anyone who purchases a pre-sale ticket will receive a voucher for redemption of a complimentary beer, wine, soda or water.

VIP tickets are available for $35 and include private entrance into the VIP Honda Pavilion, two complimentary drink coupons (good for beer, wine soda or water), light appetizers provided by The Dish at Canalside, private bathrooms, access to the front-of-the-stage viewing area, and a souvenir "Canalside Live" cup. The VIP Honda Pavilion is limited to concertgoers 21-years-of-age or older. VIP tickets can be purchased on www.Eventbrite.com and at the Canalside information kiosk on the boardwalk.

VIP tickets for many of the concerts sold out last year, so fans are encouraged to purchase these tickets in advance.

Canalside has also updated the safety and security procedures for all "Canalside Live" concerts, including adding a new bag policy. For more information on this year's lineup and all security procedures, visit www.canalsidebuffalo.com/concerts.

"Our mission is to provide a customer experience that makes Canalside the premier music venue in Western New York," Dandes said. "Last year, we introduced a $5 admission ticket with the goal to provide a safe and fun experience. This year we have enhanced the talent level to ensure that 'Canalside Live' is the must-see concert series of the summer."

CMG is also continuing the "Canalside Cares" program, which provides a limited number of free tickets to each concert. In 2017, more than 2,000 tickets were distributed to over 100 different organizations throughout Western New York. The United Way of Erie County will receive a limited amount of tickets to each show to distribute to a program of its choice.

Dandes also said the adjoining Clinton's Dish concession stand will kickoff its summer season with a soft opening this weekend. Saturday and Sunday hours are noon until 8 p.m. Regular hours will begin Friday, May 25 (open from 11 a.m. to sunset daily). Dandes noted the food court is larger and has more seating for 2018.